THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 226

So now that we have experienced the blessings that accompany being redeemed, we enter a new dimension. Within this new world of liberty and freedom, we still face the reality of being in the same world in terms of our day to day. The difference is that after we come to know Jesus, the world as we know it appears to be different.

No, this is not to suggest that the created world has changed. It has not. The earth remains the same as before. What has happened in our moment of redemption is that you and I have changed. Upon reflection, I realize that this new perspective that I am experiencing had a beginning, that came about as a result of my believing and accepting the sacrifice of JESUS the Redeemer.

This same Jesus who is the Second Adam and who also is the Lord Himself - JESUS. The very same God who had visited the first Adam in the cool of the evening. However, earth was not the second Adam’s residence. For as the scriptures indicate, Heaven is His throne and earth His footstool.

Indeed, in this context then, God Himself is the Second Adam -- our Redeemer, who we have only known as JESUS the Son of God whose blood reconciled us. Why is this? Because God is Spirit. And even though we have been redeemed, we cannot go into the spiritual realm unless we are born again!

The New Testament speaks of Jesus and Nicodemus and the need to be born again. In fact, Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to be saved, one had to be born again. The reason for this is that flesh is flesh and that which is Spirit is Spirit. This is why Jesus said not to marvel because I say to you that you must be born again.

Up until this point, the disciples had witnessed all that had come to pass, beginning with the Passover supper on through to the resurrection. Even the disciple so aptly called doubting Thomas in the scriptures declared JESUS to be "My LORD and My GOD!"

Further, JESUS appeared and disappeared, going in and out among them for a period of 40 days and 40 nights, after which JESUS ascended up into Heaven. The work of redemption was complete. At this time, JESUS told the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait there until they received power.

Interpreted, Jesus was referring to the power of His Spirit that would come upon them so that they could become His witnesses throughout the world. The gift of the promised Holy Spirit had as yet not been given. (Why not? Because JESUS was not yet glorified!) As we read in the Bible, the disciples did as they were bid and stayed there 10 more days (120 persons) until that time which is known as the day of Pentecost was fully come! (Acts Chapter 1 and Leviticus Chapter 23)

JESUS being man’s only high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. JESUS was appointed of God to be a high priest (not after the order of Aaron). JESUS is a faithful and compassionate High priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities!

JESUS sacrificed His pure, holy, sinless life as a once and for all offering. Yes, JESUS offered up Himself. JESUS being God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son. JESUS fulfilled the prophecy in Leviticus 23. Fifty days after the sacrificial offering of Himself, once again offers, and again the offering is accepted, and the Holy Spirit of God in man begins. No longer JESUS externally with us, but to dwell in us!